AMBITIOUS plans to revamp New Street Station have been given a #10 million boost.

AMBITIOUS plans to revamp New Street Station have been given a #10 million boost.

Public transport co-ordinator Centro has agreed to contribute the cash towards the #470 million project aiming to transform the station dubbed "Birmingham's biggest embarrassment".

The plan will see the station given a major overhaul to increase passenger capacity and bring natural light flooding in to the building.

New Street is currently suffering serious overcrowding problems and has been shut down at peak times, with potential passengers barred from even entering the station.

This is to stop a crush developing, which could see dangerous scenes on the platforms.

The current estimated cost of the revamp is #467 million, and Centro believes the benefits will far outweigh the price.

The public sector is set to fork out #300 million towards the project, with the rest coming from private companies.

Around #100 million will come from the central government funded Local Transport Plan, #100 million from development agency Advantage West Midlands, #80 million from the rail industry, #10 million from other local councils.

Centro has now pledged to contribute #10 million.

Rob Donald, director general of Centro said the current success of rail travel in attracting new passengers meant it was crucial to Birmingham that the plans went ahead.

He said: "Growth in the number of station users reflects the success of Birmingham in developing itself as a regional economic centre and supporting employment growth.

"The station was completely reconstructed in the mid-1960s and its drab appearance contrasts starkly with the modern developments around it."